1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 730 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3001 mm |
